Paul the Apostle: Author, Teacher and Missionary

Paul founded several Christian churches and maintained contact with these churches by letters. Paul’s letters not only contain guidance and inspiration for Christians of the first century, but are still applicable for us today.  Although much of Paul’s correspondence may be lost, Biblical scholar, Howard Clark Kee, believes that Paul is author of the following books from the New Testament canon:  Romans, 1^st and 2^nd Corinthians, Galatians, 1^st Thessalonians, Philippians, and Philemon. Other books attributed to Paul may have been authored by his students or followers, but still show strong Pauline influence.

Kee believes the Apostle Paul is the person who, above all others, was responsible for the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, Europe, and Asia. Extensive missionary journeys by Paul and other followers of Jesus saw significant growth of the Christian movement in the generation following the death of Jesus.

William Barclay suggests that Paul believed himself to be a unique messenger of Christ to the Gentile world. 

I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. Galatians 1:11-12

Paul was especially suited for this role because of his Jewish roots, his Roman citizenship and his exposure to Greek culture and education.

Paul was “chosen” for the task of spreading Christianity and “the fullness of time” facilitated his successful missionary work.

“In the fullness of time…” the spread of Christianity occurred. Dr. Larry Yoder* describes four sets of new circumstances that occurred in a 300 year window (all of which had particular impact on Paul’s missionary work and the further success of later missionaries).

1. Paul was born in Tarsus, most likely as a result of the Jewish Diaspora (scattered seed), following the Jewish exile in Babylonia and other remote locations. These dispersed Jews “invented” synagogues and produced the Septuagint (Greek translation of Hebrew Bible) in Alexandria in 180 BC. Thus, when Christian missionaries went out, they were preaching to an audience that expected a Messiah.
2. Greek was lingua franca (the universal language). Greek was spoken or read by most people in the region (including Paul). The primary language in Paul’s correspondence and the New Testament writings was Greek. Missionaries did not need to translate since Greek was the common language in synagogues, commerce, and intellectual circles.
3. Rome had brought a modicum of peace to the region (Pax Roma—the Peace of Rome). Missionaries did not have to stop at borders. The roads were good for travelers. Paul benefited from the Pax Roma in his extensive missionary work.
4. Roman tolerance allowed for some religious freedom as long as allegiance to Rome and the Emperor was acknowledged. This allowed for the spread of Christianity, but also the persecution of Christians. There were significant periods of extreme persecution which led to the martyrdom of many Christians, including Paul (Yoder).

We know that Paul’s background as a zealous Jew and Pharisee gave him a strong foundation in Hebrew scripture. His beliefs, knowledge, and commitment shaped the principles that guided his teaching and missionary work:

God is trustworthy.

God kept his promise to Abraham (Genesis 17) that even in his old age, he would be the father of many nations. Abraham and Sarah would have a child!

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God. Romans 4:18, 20.

The world is renewed through the wisdom of Jesus.

The hidden wisdom of God is imparted through Jesus to those with the maturity, faithfulness and obedience to receive it (Kee).

But to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God, and the wisdom of God. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God–that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 1 Corinthians 1:24, 30.

Jesus was the willing sacrifice to accomplish God’s purpose of redeeming His people.

The present age dominated by powers that have rebelled against God, will come to an end (Kee). Jesus is the instrument of reconciliation as witnessed by His love for God’s children and His obedience in taking the path to the cross.

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteous of God. 2 Corinthians 5:15, 21.

Paul’s writings beautifully reveal God’s great love for us. If there is a particular scripture from Paul’s work that you find especially meaningful and reassuring, please share with us in the comment section below.

Wishing you continued blessings and joy on your journey, my friends.

Next week: Paul and Love

Sources

Barclay, William. (1958). The Mind of Paul, New York:  Harper & BrothersPublishers.

Ehrman, Bart D. (2006). Peter, Paul, and Mary Madalene:  the Followers of Jesus in History and Legend,  New York:  Oxford University Press.

Kee, Howard Clark. (1993). Understanding the New Testament, 5^th Ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersy:  Pearson Education.

Yoder, J.L. (2009). Class lecture notes for Religion 383:  The Life and Teachings of Paul.

*During his many years of teaching, Dr. Yoder served as an amazing professor, a wonderful mentor and a faithful role model for numerous students and colleagues. I am so thankful for the honor, privilege, and blessing for having him as a teacher, colleague and friend.